The Hidden Dangers of Following Tire Tracks on Snow-Covered Illinois Roads

When I'm forced to drive on snowy roads, I often feel that driving on the tire tracks other vehicles have already made is the best/safest plan, but it turns out that thinking is completely WRONG!

Why Tire Tracks Are Dangerous on Snow-Covered Roads

As I was driving to work this morning following yesterday's big snow storm, I noticed a lot of highly traveled roads were pretty clear, but some did have faint tire track lines that looked like this...

The tire tracks above may look innocent, but they are likely more dangerous to drive on than ones that look like this...

Winter Road Safety Tips

Yesterday was not the first major snow storm that Illinois has seen, but it is the first  one most of the state has seen this winter, and it became evident quickly that many drivers need some winter driving safety reminders.

Here are a few from thezebra.com that I think many Illinois drivers would benefit from remembering...

1. Turn your headlights off "AUTO" and onto "ON". When visibility is poor, having your headlights switched to "on" will turn your taillights on too which helps drivers behind you see you better.
2. NEVER use cruise control on snowy or ice roads.
3. If your FRONT tires slide, take your foot of the gas, put your car in neutral, and steer the direction you want the car to go. Once you regain traction, put the car back in drive and accelerate SLOWLY.
4. If your REAR tires slide, take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go. If you're still sliding in the wrong direction, turn the wheel in the same direction as the tires until you regain traction.

With more snow expected over the weekend, hopefully these tips will keep you safe if you have to leave your house.

RELATED: How to Avoid the 'Second Shovel' In Illinois This Winter